Julianne Curry, a former top administrator of the Petersburg Vessel Owners Association, is taking the helm as executive director of United Fishermen of Alaska in 2013, UFA officials announced.
She succeeds Mark Vinsel, who has served in the executive post since 2004, and is transitioning back to an administrative role.
United Fishermen also announced that Arni Thomson has stepped down after nearly three years as president of the organization. Vice President Bruce Wallace will serve as interim president until the board elects a successor in February.
Wallace said he anticipates a smooth transition. "UFA is a solid organization with representation throughout the fishing industry, and I am eager to see what we can accomplish in 2013," he said.
The United Fishermen executive committee named Paul Shadura to serve as interim vice president until that time, too.
Curry, a longline fisherman, has worked for the United Fishermen member group Petersburg Vessel Owners Association for six years and until recently was that association's executive director.
Curry has served on the organization's executive committee as subsistence chairwoman for five years and most recently as the public relations/membership chairwoman. She will be based in Juneau for the legislative sessions, effective Jan. 1.
This article was orginially published in the Cordova Times, and is reprinted here with permission. You can reach Cordova Times Staff with comments and suggestions at cdvtimes@thecordovatimes.com.